Somalia celebrates that ultimate symbol of recovery: the return of TEDx

Along with a gourmet coffee shop, a literary festival and a rush of intrepid tourists, the staging of a TEDx event is one of those apparent symbols offered as proof that a war-torn country is normalising and even having fun. The second TEDxMogadishu takes place in the capital of Somalia on Saturday and will be streamed live on the internet. Speakers include Iman Elman, a 21-year-old female military commander in charge of a battalion of nearly 100 men, and Mohamed Mahamoud Sheik, who opened Mogadishu's first dry cleaner in 20 years after noticing men carrying their suits on planes to get them cleaned in Nairobi.

A spin-off from TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) talks in California, the TEDx format of smaller events – "ideas worth spreading" – has caught on around the world with events held 7,500 times in more than 150 countries. These include Baghdad and Tripoli, but organisers say Mogadishu is still the toughest security challenge. The low-budget debut event last year suffered some teething troubles but was generally regarded a success.

The sequel was due to take place in June but was postponed after the Islamist militant group al-Shabaab attacked a UN base, killing eight employees and five Somali civilians. Audience members at Saturday's TEDx will pass through security checkpoints and be individually searched, and may not yet even know the venue. Sebastian Lindstrom, TEDxMogadishu communications coordinator, does not hesitate to push the hopeful notion that the country is stabilising after two decades of civil war. "2012 was the year that peace returned to Somalia," he said.

"It was largely seen as the 'rebirth' of the country, with the formation of parliament, election of the president, and cabinet of ministers. For the first time in over two decades, Somalia had an internationally-recognised federal government. "Although the peace and stability remains fragile, in 2013 more Somalis are returning to their country than ever before, rediscovering the home they hadn't seen in decades, and for some young diaspora, had never seen. Even Somalis who have never left Mogadishu are rediscovering their city, swimming in Lido beach, enjoying new cafes, and attending international conferences like TEDx." Some analysts question whether the progress is being over-stated, however, in line with the fashionable narrative of "Africa rising".

They question whether the fragile peace in Mogadishu is reflective of the rest of the country, where al-Shabaab remains a force. Earlier this month Médecins Sans Frontières announced it was pulling out of Somalia after 22 years because of attacks on its staff. Last year some Twitter sceptics also questioned whether TED's Californian flavour really fitted with the nation's present troubles. But TEDxMogadishu's symbolism may be enough in terms of contributing to morale and sending a positive message to the influential Somali diaspora. Lindstrom added:

 "We believe in the power of positive stories to bring about change. If TEDx can help move the needle – even just a little bit – towards a better Somalia, it's well worth the hard work of the volunteer organisers and bravery of our speakers to step into the spotlight." The 14 speakers also include an artist who faced persecution for two decades and is now involved in peace-building; a blind journalist campaigning for disabled Somalis; the head of an initiative to restore the national library; a youth leader from the world's biggest refugee camp; a doctor rebuilding one of Mogadishu's most important hospitals; a young Somali-American discovering her country for the first time; a Somali novelist and a leader of Somalia's reconciliation efforts. The live stream of TEDxMogadishu runs on on Saturday from 8am to 2pm UK time at tedxmogadishu.com